21After saying this Jesus was troubled in spirit, and declared, “Very truly, I tell you, one of you will betray me.” 22The disciples looked at one another, uncertain of whom he was speaking. 23One of his disciples—the one whom Jesus loved—was reclining next to him; 24Simon Peter therefore motioned to him to ask Jesus of whom he was speaking. 25So while reclining next to Jesus, he asked him, “Lord, who is it?” 26Jesus answered, “It is the one to whom I give this piece of bread when I have dipped it in the dish.” So when he had dipped the piece of bread, he gave it to Judas son of Simon Iscariot. 27After he received the piece of bread, Satan entered into him. Jesus said to him, “Do quickly what you are going to do.” 28Now no one at the table knew why he said this to him. 29Some thought that, because Judas had the common purse, Jesus was telling him, “Buy what we need for the festival”; or, that he should give something to the poor. 30So, after receiving the piece of bread, he immediately went out. And it was night.
Thoughts: And it was night. Betrayal. And it was night. This phrase troubled in spirit can also I believe be interpreted more as angry. Angry at who or whom or what? I think Jesus is angry not at Judas but at the power of evil that so quickly can seduce and enter even into the best of circles. After all, if Jesus and the twelve are not safe from the presence of evil--who is? Certainly this is important for us to remember. I don't personally demonize Judas, but it does make me stop and take pause at how quickly evil can enter into a situation and begin to work its harm. What will be the antidote for such things? Certainly the gift of the Holy Spirit will be one way that communities who gather in Christ will be protected. You see, evil is and will be something for us to deal with as long as we are on this earth; but the Holy Spirit is more powerful an advocate than evil is a foe! Don't ever forget that simple truth!
Questions: What do you think about Judas? In the Gospels he has a mixed lot. I rather think he came to repentance and as all of us stands in the mercy of God.
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